Culture Minister Lee Yung-te announced on June 15 that the Ministry of Culture will establish a cultural section under the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Prague to promote bilateral cultural exchanges. This announcement was made during his meeting with Markéta Pekarová Adamová, president of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic (Czechia).
At the meeting, the national flags of both countries were displayed on the table, symbolizing the Czech government's full support for the establishment of the cultural section under Taiwan's representative office in Czechia. The cultural section will be set up next year and be headed by a ministry envoy. The president of the Czech Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová commented that she will fully support and work together to enhance future cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Czechia. She also expressed her concern about Taiwan's international status and mentioned that the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic recently passed a motion that supports Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization's forums.
In this regard, Minister Lee responded that Taiwan is drawing the attention of the world because of the Russia-Ukraine war. Taiwanese people have the determination to uphold their sovereignty and the value of freedom and democracy, he added.
As part of his European tour, Minister Lee arrived in Czechia on June 14 and met with Miloš Vystrčil, president of the Czech Senate, Jiří Drahoš, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Education, and the Director-General of the National Museum in Prague, Michal Lukeš. Minister Lee had a discussion with Chairperson Drahoš and Director Lukeš about the collaboration and exchanges between museums of the two countries. In addition, Chairperson Drahoš extended an invitation to Taiwan to participate in the Smetanova Litomyšl, one of the largest classical music festivals in Czechia. Minister Lee responded that this will be the first crucial mission of the cultural section.